Six men have been arrested in the Netherlands following the discovery of seven shipping containers converted into cells and torture chambers. Michael Devine had shared details of his membership on the EncroChat encrypted messaging platform. Many have been through Liverpool Crown Court this year after their crimes were exposed. Carl Stewart, 39, of Gem Street, Liverpool was sentenced to 13 years and six months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin, MDMA, ketamine and transferring criminal property. Police have arrested eight people suspected of being behind the secretive global phone network EncroChat during an operation in Spain, Dubai, and the Dominican Republic, VICE World News has learned. Gangs are believed to have used the devices to plot attacks on rival groups, plan ways of enforcing drug debts and arrange for money to be laundered. Talbot and Ward also admitted conspiring to supply Class B drugs. READ MORE: EncroChat cocaine boss with international links asked dealers to call him 'Jethawk'. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter'. More than two tonnes of drugs, several dozen guns and 54m in suspect cash . The 38-year-old, from Bury, used the EncroChat encrypted phone network to bring 'at the very least' 84.5 kilos of cocaine and 59 kilos of heroin. An EncroChat cocaine boss joked in texts about the hack that would later see him locked up. Not so that of 14-year-old Mohammed Al-Gharani, nabbed in Pakistan. Transform any Android device or Windows Laptop into an Unbreakable Encrypti. On the same day, David Blackburn, 29, was arrested at his home in Springvale Close, Kirkby after detectives linked him to a handle titled "SuperBiking". The hacking of the network was compared to cracking the enigma code by Nikki Holland, then director of investigations at the NCA. There are other newsletters available too if you want them as well. He was arrested in the Dominican Republic last month after police monitoring his movements realised he had become aware he was under surveillance and decided to act, according to the report. Simon Roberts - MajorFox and FanaticFirm. Krusky appears to have a background working with internet service providers, according to forum posts and archived webpages. The UK has arrested more than 1,500 suspects since European detectives cracked an encrypted messaging service 10 months ago used by criminals to organise major drug smuggling operations and gangland hits. Harding then used a new handle called "LesserHedge", to continue carrying out his criminal activity. EncroChat phones are among the most secure mobiles in the world Credit: YouTube Marketed as the "world's most secure handset", the device is popular among hitmen, drug lords and other major criminals. Harding, who used the handle "MagicCider", sold heroin, cocaine and cannabis worth around 1.5million through the encrypted phone network. Some of the evidence has been obtained by French police, who have intercepted many messages on the encrypted EncroChat programme used by criminal networks across the continent in recent months after breaching its . READ MORE: Businessman was drug boss 'FastSilver' flogging Orange Cream, Stardog, Gelato and Jaffa. O'Hare, 33, of Fairfield Avenue, Roby, transported drugs for Harding and supplied up to three kilos of Class A drugs and 10 kilos of cannabis. Alan Tobin was sentenced to 20 years in jail and John received a 19 year and eight month sentence following a Cheshire Police probe linked to the seizure of 186kg of cocaine. He was brought down by an investigation that led to police storming his home on Park Road North in Birkenhead, as well as two container units in the town, in June, when they seized a Rolex watch and 82,000 in cash. READ MORE: EncroChat dealer boasted of 'mayday' airport smuggling scheme, 43. His EncroChat handle was LaughingStorm. A gang who flooded Greater Manchester with cocaine, heroin, and cannabis are now behind bars - despite their extensive efforts to fool detectives who were wo. Talbot, of Elson Road, Formby, was locked up alongside James Ward, 32, of no fixed address but from Kirkby, and Jamie Carlton, 40, of Church Road, Waterloo. The network, said by the authorities to have been a hotbed for gangland plots, was penetrated in a joint French-Dutch probe in April 2020. Major crime figures were among over 800 Europe-wide arrests after messages on EncroChat were intercepted and decoded. Dubbed EncroChat, the top-secret encrypted communication app comes pre-installed on a customized Android . The above nine . EncroChat - a network infiltrated by law enforcement to investigate organized crime in Europe; Ennetcom - a network seized by Dutch authorities, . READ MORE: 27m drug boss caught fleeing to Spain in BMW with girlfriend after spending spree, 56 - 58: Alexander Keating - DullTuna and WealthyMace, Paul Dillon - WaspLawn, and Dylan Garforth - DiorIce. Brian Marshall, 46, of Robson Street, Everton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A Drugs cocaine, and was sentenced to 10 years. . READ MORE: Gang threatened to 'chop off ears' and hold iron to chest of pensioner, 39. A video posted online by police shows officers arresting the suspects and also entering the containers. . Five of the men also conspired to commit a robbery in which they planned to tie up the victims at their home and cut off the ear of one of them. The Liverpool Echo sends newsletters on a wide range of topics - including our daily news bulletin, now going out three times a day. In some of those cases the charges stemmed around the owners alleged participation in money laundering. Skillen, who admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and failing to comply with a serious crime prevention order, was jailed for 15 years. The eight arrests are thought to be the first arrests of people involved in the setting up and running of EncroChat. Threats detailed on the site included acid attacks and chopping off limbs. A military-grade encrypted communication system called Encrochat, allegedly used by organised criminals trading in drugs and guns, was hacked by police and their partners. The 29-year-old planned to move abroad as soon as his licence period for a past sentence for trafficking cocaine expired. When contacted by VICE World News, Europol said it could not confirm the arrests because they are part of an ongoing operation, and expressed frustration that details of the arrests had been published in French media. For more news and features about London directly to your inbox sign up to our newsletter here. This is the warning that sent shockwaves through Britain's criminal underworld after police penetrated an encrypted phone network for 'untouchable' crime bosses. The huge operation has been taking place over the past three months with police seizing 13m of cash in London alone. The dealer, of Manorwood Drive, Whiston, was jailed for 12 years after pleading guilty to four counts of supplying the drugs. READ MORE: Window cleaner became 'MajorFox' in EncroChat ring after business dried up, 50 - 51. But at least the CIA's mistakes were understandable in many cases. Hundreds of other EncroChat users have been arrested across Europe. 10 The Salad Terrorist. According to Green, at the time Krusky worked with a Canadian company that wanted to sell secure phones, but it had no customers. The force says it is "the most significant operation" it has ever launched against alleged serious and organised crime and forms part of the National Crime Agency's (NCA) Operation Venetic, which has seen more than 700 people arrested across Europe. Inside the containers was a dentist chair with straps and handcuffs. Liam Hughes, 24, of Robson Street, Everton, was sentenced to 14 years and six months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A Drugs (cocaine and heroin); conspiracy to supply Class B drugs (cannabis and conspiracy to possess/convert/acquire criminal property. Peter Heron, 48, of Grosvenor Road in Wavertree. READ MORE: EncroChat dealer nicknamed 'coastalsummer' tried to flee naked through window in raid, 31 David Pinnington - LoftyHail and 32. The authorities seized over two tons of drugs, dozens of guns, and around 54m in cash. Police have made more than 1,000 arrests in the UK after French investigators infected EncroChat phones around the world with a software "implant" that covertly harvested messages and data . He admitted conspiring to supply cocaine and cannabis and conspiring to convert criminal property, between December 29, 2019 and May 30, 2020. Harrison Laite used an Encrochat phone to supply multiple kilos of cannabis on the streets on Merseyside. Arrested 133 people Charged 101 people Seized 4 loaded firearms and ammunition Seized 72 kgs of cocaine and heroine Seen 31 people convicted to a total of 366 years in prison 1.6M in cash And this is just the beginning, with more activity and arrests to come in the coming months. He delivered at least 44 kilos of cocaine and stored hundreds of thousands of pounds of cash in his family home in Linkside Road. READ MORE:Warning issued to drivers travelling home for Christmas over new motorway rule. The Le Parisien report did not publish Paul Ks full name. Last month two EncroChat users were given life terms in May after being convicted of plotting a murder on the network, while James Harding, a Dubai-based British man alleged to be the head of on an international crime network, was charged with conspiracy to murder and cocaine trafficking. A Paul Krusky is listed as working for an ISP that had servers in Waterloo, Ontario, according to forum posts from 2002. We'd love to hear from you. Alexander Keating, 30, of Lunts Heath Road, Widnes. Townsend was convicted of conspiracy to supply cannabis and acquire/use/possess criminal property. They were caught after an 18-month investigation and were among the 250-plus arrests made in GMP's strand of the National Crime Agency's . A "top level controller" of a 27m drug gang was caught as he tried to flee with his girlfriend in a BMW to Spain. Luxton dealt in various class A drugs and said he 'remained in the game' after 380,000 worth of drugs was stolen and he had to repay the debt to 'TopsKing'. For reasons unknown he was then released. These emails were between people who worked with or on EncroChat. Lenehan had connections to Dubai and exchanged messages suggesting his influence may have stretched to India and Iran. 1) Go to our dedicated newsletter page at this link. Photo: Sebastian Kahnert/picture alliance via Getty Images. Signing up is free and it only takes a minute for you to get the biggest stories, sent straight to your inbox. Hundreds arrested as crime chat network cracked. Nathan Harding - MagicCider and LesserHedge and 36. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? In a joint operation, European and British law enforcement agencies recently arrested hundreds of alleged drug dealers and other criminals after infiltrating into a global network of an encrypted chatting app that was used to plot drug deals, money laundering, extortions, and even murders. They were both then sentenced in connection to a gangland shooting in Warrington. EncroChat was a Europe-based communications network and service provider that offered modified smartphones allowing encrypted communication among subscribers. 3) Tick as many boxes as you like, for each newsletter you want. O'Hare was jailed for six and a half years. Detectives discovered Dillon and Keating had used EncroChat to discuss the transfer of a "viable firearm" - referring to a pistol and revolver - and conspired with Garforth over the supply of Class A and B drugs. Thousands of officers from the NCA, regional crime squads and every police force in the UK were involved in the international operation, which was launched in April. Encrochat, which charged 1,500 for a device on a six-month contract, sent out a warning to users in early June to say that its servers had been hacked by a government entity. 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Shaun Harrison, 33, of South Street, Thatto Heath, was sentenced to 10 years eight months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply each of the drugs and was jailed for 16 years. British authorities have arrested 746 suspects, seized tens of millions in cash, dozens of firearms and high-value cars, 2 tonnes of drugs, and even grenades in the country's "biggest ever law enforcement operation". His Encrochat handle was Milliondolla. By signing up, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Vice Media Group, which may include marketing promotions, advertisements and sponsored content. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. What has emerged is a deliberate strategy in which law enforcement agencies not only target users of the devices, sometimes with highly technical operations that obtain the content of their messages, but also those who run the encrypted phone companies themselves. The insight into his life allowed detectives to match the messages of EncroChat codenames "SneakyStem" and "WackySilver" to the 33-year-old. David Pinnington, 39, was arrested at his home in Rushey Hey Road, Kirkby after being identified as the user of the "LoftyHail" handle on the secret phone network. READ MORE: EncroChat dealers 'Wealthymace' and 'Dior Ice' caught at Liverpool airport before Spain flight, 59 - 60. He used the Encrochat handles Scantbee and Sandferret. He admitted conspiracy to supply 31 kilos of cocaine, 200 tablets of MDMA, 14 grams of ketamine, 51 kilos of cannabis and four kilos of heroin. The major drug boss, who used the code name 'Bigmninee', was also known within the criminal underworld as a 'go-to man' for crooks who wanted guns. Lenehan, of Scarisbrick Road in Walton, but who lived in Dubai until recently, admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and making a false statement to gain a passport. They both supplied both Class A cocaine and Class B amphetamine. To join and get updates, click here and you can also follow Neil's Facebook page here. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. The 34-year-old, who also interchanged the spelling of his surname to "Badibango", was detained by detectives after a series of raids in Formby and another in Whiston, which led to him being taken into custody. Stephen Taylor, 33 years, of Norlands Park, Widnes, was jailed at Liverpool Crown Court for 12 years eight months for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs and conspiracy to conceal criminal property. A drug dealer who used two EncroChat handles was brought to justice. It will feature reports from Liverpool Crown Court and crime cases connected to Merseyside. READ MORE: Taxi driver's secret life as 'NuttyLeopard' EncroChat drug dealer. Police intercepted . British law enforcement officials say they have made their biggest ever breakthrough against organised crime after hacking into an encrypted . Bradley Luxton - SoupHedge and MerrySword. READ MORE: EncroChat dealer 'LovelyGiant' used 'key worker' to ferry cocaine in lockdown. Several Scots household names are said to have been rounded up after a major crackdown on the EncroChat phone encryption network, leading to multiple arrests. READ MORE: 'Milliondolla' EncroChat user said he had cocaine 'coming out me ears'. The police have managed to establish the true identity of the users by analysing their individual messages and personal information. A top EncroChat drugs boss was busted after police identified him through his Costco membership. The data from EncroChat has been a real boon to law enforcementorganized crime arrests in Germany soared by 17 percent following the police busts, and at least 2,800 people have been arrested . He also pooled together with a group of other suppliers to source a mega-shipment of 100kg of cocaine through Hamburg in Germany. Mark Dumbell, 30, of Warrington Road, Prescot, was sentenced to 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, cannabis and ketamine. This was also to be served consecutively to the drugs tariff he was already in jail for. Roberts, 57, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin. READ MORE: Secret gang messages of SnowEmu, SacredMask and MancJoey that brought them down, Jordan Alvis, 35, of Trent Close, West Derby, was sentenced to nine years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply ketamine and heroin and conspiracy to conceal criminal property. Police also found a building in Rotterdam, which they believe was another criminal base. ", Liverpool salon owner providing 'safety net' for new beauticians, The female-run salon provides a 'safe space' for women, M&S shoppers praise 'lovely' 27.50 dress that's 'very flattering', One M&S shopper said: "Excellent dress and great fit. Cocaine dealer William Skillen was linked to a sinister drug gang who threatened to "chop off ears" and batter an OAP in a 500,000 robbery plot. Dentith, 29, of College View, Huyton, was sentenced to 17 years three months after pleading guilty to supply cocaine and ecstasy. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Encrochat: the top-secret network explained after the NCA helped hack phones of major crime figures and made arrests. The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) has made 746 arrests and dismantled dozens of organized crime groups after intercepting millions of encrypted text . Police arrest 746 and seize more than 54,000,000 after hacking crime gangs. Last modified on Thu 2 Jul 2020 15.45 EDT. The main target of the operation, according to the report, was a Canadian suspect called Paul K. Police raided his home in Marley Close, Rainhill on June 16 last year and found rooms matched photos sent by Moore on EncroChat. When the containers were almost finished, investigators decided to intervene. Officers found handcuffs attached to the floors and ceilings of the structures, which had also been soundproofed. He was jailed for nine years and nine months. READ MORE: EncroChat drug boss panicked after cocaine market 'stood still' during lockdown. Ahead of his big trip Talbot went on a two-week spending spree, buying himself more than 40,000 of Rolex watches. READ MORE: Encrochat dealer 'Magiccider' busted after posing for photo with cannabis, 37. Since then, while thousands of career criminals have been arrested, prosecuted or convicted as a result of incriminating phone messages sent over EncroChat, police have been seeking information about the networks operators. However, according to a cache of emails previously obtained by VICEs Motherboard and information from a source who interacted with EncroChat this name likely refers to Paul Krusky, a Canadian tech expert who Motherboard has found was integral to the early development and running of EncroChat. July 2, 2020. The 48-year-old, of Grosvenor Road in Wavertree, used the handle "TameWelder" on the secret phone network. Cops Investigating 'WhatsApp for Gangsters' Arrest Key Suspect in Caribbean. He was jailed for six years and eight months. Police arrested a man, 31, and a 35-year-old woman who had allegedly dealt with $600,000 in criminal proceeds for a Sydney airport ground services operator allegedly trafficking drugs. Earlier this month Paul Ks wife was also arrested, as were six other people suspected of being involved in the running of EncroChat, three in Spain and three in Dubai, the report adds. H. undreds of suspected criminals have been arrested worldwide after being tricked into using an FBI encrypted messaging service. In the UK, the National Crime Agency (NCA), working with regional organised crime units, the Metropolitan Police and other law enforcement agencies, made more than 2,600 EncroChat-related arrests . EncroChat dealer George Marsh 's international crime network was destroyed by personal messages he sent to his contacts. He was jailed for 12 years. The arrests are among 800 made across Europe after EncroChat messages were intercepted and decoded. Something went wrong, please try again later. Devine, of Pete Best Drive, West Derby, was jailed for 17 years and three months after admitting conspiracy to import cocaine and conspiracies to supply cocaine, heroin, amphetamines and ketamine. Baker was arrested on 22 April 2021. Detectives identified the handprints of the 30-year-old, of Maud Street, Toxteth, on a photo he took showing him holding cannabis in his hand. Using a non-work phone or computer, you can contact Joseph Cox securely on Signal on+44 20 8133 5190, Wickr on josephcox, or emailjoseph.cox@vice.com. Carlton had been involved in transporting 20kg of Class A drugs from May 1, 2020 for five or six weeks. Liverpool's courts are some of the busiest in the UK, with a huge variety of cases being heard each week. Read More Related Articles. Entire organised crime groups dismantled during Operation Venetic with 746 arrests, and 54m criminal cash, 77 firearms and over two tonnes of drugs seized so far. Dooley, 35, of no fixed address but from St Helens, was jailed for nine years after admitting conspiring to supply Class A and B drugs. 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